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Gemstar-TV Guide Acquires JumptheShark

NEW YORK Gemstar-TV Guide said it has acquired JumptheShark.com, the television-obsessive Web site named after the infamous episode of Happy Days that featured The Fonz attempting to a jump over a shark while wearing water skis (the exact moment the show went downhill, according to many fans). Financial terms were not disclosed.

Since becoming part of the popular culture lexicon in the 1990s, Jump the Shark (referring to a TV show’s exact beginning-of-the-end moment) has become one of several popular Web hubs where television fans endlessly debate the merits of their favorite, or formerly favorite shows.

TV Guide, which recently revamped its Web site into a constantly evolving blog that includes commentary-filled sections for most major TV series, said it would develop and promote JumpTheShark.com across its multiple platforms, with some Jump the Shark editorial finding its way onto TV Guide properties.

Jump the Shark founder John Hein, a frequent guest on Howard Stern’s show and soon to be the host on one of Stern’s Sirius Satellite Radio programs, will stay on to become a regular editorial contributor to multiple TV Guide brands.

“Jump the Shark provides TV fans with a unique forum to discuss their favorite shows and we are excited to welcome such a dedicated online community to Gemstar-TV Guide. We will also look to introduce Jon Hein’s unique and entertaining editorial voice to TVGuide.com, TV Guide magazine and TV Guide Channel,” said Sanjay Reddy, senior vice president of business development for Gemstar-TV Guide.